Popular Baby Names for Girls
Expectant parents may want the latest news on baby-naming trends to ensure their little girl fits right in with popular culture of the day. On the other hand, parents looking for an unusual name may want to look at popularity statistics for exactly the opposite reason: They want to avoid having their little girl walk into kindergarten to find herself among six other Isabellas, for example — the most poplar name for baby girls in 2009.
Family Games for New Years Eve
Waiting with the kids for the clock to strike midnight on New Year’s Eve calls for some engaging entertainment. And even if the kids aren’t still awake for the singing of “Auld Lang Syne,” the holiday should be a memorable occasion for however long they make it. Choose games that are challenging and different from those the family is used to playing, symbolic of the newness of the coming year.
Children’s Christmas Craft Activities
The excitement of Christmas calls for some hands-on creative ideas to keep kids busy. And a home takes on an especially festive air when it’s filled with holiday decorations and artwork made by children. Kids can take the basic directions for these Christmas art projects and add their own personal touches.
How to Set a Children’s Thanksgiving Table
To please the younger set at Thanksgiving, substitute the makeshift kids’ table that looks as if it’s been thrown together at the last minute with a children’s Thanksgiving table that is the most colorful and attractive spot in the house. That way, youngsters who are relegated to a kids’ table will feel special rather than merely accommodated. Adding a few table activities as part of the décor will help keep the kids entertained.
Involvement in Extracurricular Activities
According to a study by the National Center for Education Statistics, students who take part in extracurricular activities are three times as likely to make higher grades in math and reading than kids who don’t. In addition to academic benefits, students also get an opportunity to experience teamwork, learn new skills and make friends through after-school activities. From middle school through college, opportunities for student participation in extracurricular activities vary widely to accommodate student interests.